CITY L IFE SPRING ISSUE 2010
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CONTENTS This issue is packed with great features and interior design ideas for those of you fancying a makeover.
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IN THIS ISSUE A ROUND
C ITY -
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HOT OFF THE
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THE NAME ’ S
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J ACK C OHEN
W ELLBEING - C ITY L IFE ’ S
AND
P LAY -
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BEAUTIFUL
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BE IN IT TO WIN IT !
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C LIVE S ULLIVAN
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TICKS ALL THE HEALTH AND SAFETY BOXES
WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER RECENT MONTHS .
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FOR BEAUTIFUL CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE
T HE L AST W ORD - G ARETH N OBLE
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HORTICULTURAL TIPS FROM
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C ARDIFF
FIVE STAR SELF - CATERING IN
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THE B USINESS C ENTRE
WE MEET HOT ARTIST
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LOOK AT HEALTHCARE IN THE CAPITAL
A VERITABLE WHO ’ S WHO IN
B LOOMING L OVELY - P UGH ’ S
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CAFÉ CULTURE AT
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ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS
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STEAMED RED MULLET AND SCALLOPS WITH SAFFRON
A FFORDABLE E LEGANCE -
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WELCOME
What’s not to love about springtime in the city? Drinking coffee outside the many café’s, watching the world go by. New season’s fashions hanging beguilingly in boutiques, springtime menus in the fabulous restaurants, not to mention the flowers coming into full bloom in our beautiful parks. Spring is always a good time to spruce up your home and, with our interior design features from Room for Living, Taylor’s Etc, and Hamptons, we show you that gorgeous interiors can be yours without breaking the bank. Our resident gardening expert Clive Sullivan offers advice for our green fingered friends and we are delighted to be working with Pugh’s Garden Centre in Radyr, where you can find all you need for your garden and outdoor living. Pugh’s has recently introduced a new online club with money saving vouchers, gardening tips and special offers. Read all about it on page 46. What Russell Scott-Lawson doesn’t know about what constitutes an impeccably dressed man frankly isn’t worth knowing. Check out his feature on page 18 which delivers a seasonal fashion fix for men across the capital.
CITY L IFE SPRING ISSUE 2010
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City Life magazine. Committed to quality.
Our online blogs are proving very popular. Here you’ll find snippets of news on businesses around the city and further on gardening, fashion, beauty, health and much more. If you haven’t checked it out yet, head on over to the website and see for yourself. CYMRAEG
Who’s using the Welsh language?
I hope you enjoy this season’s issue as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it. Have a great spring! Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk
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There are many businesses throughout the city where a Welsh language service is available. To highlight those particular businesses, we’ve introduced the Cymraeg symbol into the magazine. Where you see the orange Cymraeg symbol, it indicates that a person within the business is happy to speak with you in Welsh.
Passionate about cardiff We are independent. We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. City Life magazine is written, designed and produced in Cardiff for the people of Cardiff. Our philosophy We are committed to quality. This quote by William Foster pretty much sums up our thinking. “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” Use it or lose it Business is the very life blood of any community. Without business, villages have no heart, towns have no centre and cities have no soul. Please support the businesses who advertise in City Life - without them there would be no City Life. ❧ 4 ❧
Small(ish) print © Copyright City Life 2009. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine (including adverts) may be reproduced in any shape or form (in whole or part) without the express written permission of the publishers. We take breach of copyright and theft of intellectual property extremely seriously and will sue at the drop of a croissant. You have been warned (nicely); ignorance is no excuse. Green is good The pulp used in the production of the paper City Life is printed on is obtained from sustainably managed Scandinavian tree farms and utilises an elementary chlorine free bleaching process. Important you read this We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in City Life or on www.citylifecardiff.co.uk is correct and accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for
CARDIFF
Kami’s recipe for success We’re continuing to meet fantastic people who are doing great business in and around the capital. A firm favourite of ours is owner and chef of The New Red Lion, Pendoylan Kami Soroush. Kami will be working with us throughout 2010 on the Cooking with Kami series, bringing you mouth watering dishes for you to try at home or at his very popular restaurant. For those of you who don’t know Kami, he’s a real character (as all great chefs tend to be), and we’ll be bringing you snippets of his mischievous nature throughout the year, as well as his delicious recipes. We start the series in this issue with a fantastic steamed red mullet and scallops with saffron, lime, chilli sauce and asparagus on page 16.
Check out our sister publication Vale Life... For those of you who are not aware, City Life has a sister publication, Vale Life, which covers the Vale of Glamorgan and its borders. If you’d like to see back copies of this publication, then you can do so by going online at www.valelife.co.uk. Vale Life was our first Life magazine. We seem to be on a roll, as Valleys Life will be coming out this summer.
any errors or omissions and can offer no compensation should we get it wrong. Please note that the opinions, thoughts, views or ideas expressed in articles contained in City Life are strictly those of the authors. Caveat emptor All advertisers have supplied their own copy (and in some cases artwork), therefore City Life cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers. Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware. Subscriptions To guarantee your copy of City Life magazine, please send a cheque for £20.00 (four issues) made payable to City Life. Visit www.citylifecardiff.co.uk for special subscriber discounts and special offers.
VALE LIFE SPRING EDITION 2010
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As an avid fan of Bryl’s Boutique on Barry’s High Street, I just couldn’t wait to see what the new season had to offer. I know this could be said for any boutique but I speak from the heart, and my purse, when I say that I’m never disappointed when I walk through the door.
SERIOUSLY STYLISH For my casual days, I can count on wardrobe staples that brands like Sandwich and Great Plains do so well and for smart casual or something a bit floaty and girly, I’d be tempted by Darling, Chilli Pepper and Traffic People to hit the right note.
When a special occasion such as a wedding, Ascot or the Polo is looming, then a trip to Bryl’s is a must as I can always count on French Connection, Nougat and Ted Baker to offer a beautifully tailored or statement piece which will make me look and feel a million dollars.
“I can always count on French Connection, Nougat and Ted Baker to offer a beautifully tailored or statement piece which will make me look and feel a million dollars.”
Accessorising any outfit is a dream with gorgeous bags from Suzy Smith and fabulous jewellery by Melinda Mulcahy and BiBi. Bryl’s is known for its range of musthave footwear by Ugg Australia and this season is no exception as Ann is stocking some amazing summer sandals and flip flops by the brand. Speaking of amazing footwear, Bryl’s is now stocking the legendary Fit Flop which promises to tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them. With such a hectic working schedule, it’s not always easy for me to find the time to shop, but with late night opening until 7pm on Thursday nights, shopping for my new wardrobe couldn’t be easier.
I think what makes Bryl’s Boutique really special to me is the great service. Ann really gets to know her customers, what they like and what suits their body shape and can put forward suggestions on what would work for them. I’ve made some serious errors in the past with other boutiques who, in hindsight, only appear to be interested in shifting stock, but I can count on Ann and her team to find the right clothes for me that suit my shape and personality.
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“Ann has such a good eye that I know there’ll be something, if not lots of lovely things, that will end up coming home with me.”
With such competitive prices, a fantastic range of brands and honest and attentive service, why would I go anywhere else? And anyway, to coin a now well worn phrase, I’m worth it!
Picture by justinframe.co.uk
VA L E O F G L A M O R G A N
Bryl’s Boutique 7 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 748246 www.bryls-boutique.co.uk
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Check out Vale Life’s blog at www.valelife.co.uk and City Life’s blog at www.citylifecardiff.co.uk
Missed the last issue? We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please telephone us or email jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk. Hopefully we’ll have the issue you want (but we cannot guarantee it). Each back issue costs £5 including postage and packing. Yes it’s free! City Life magazine is distributed free through a wide variety of quality outlets in and around Cardiff and beyond. City Life is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed around, given to friends and generally read until it falls apart. At which point, you can recycle it and we’d be delighted if you did. Recycling... because there is no Plan B!
City Life is home grown. It is written, designed and produced in Cardiff for the people of Cardiff. ❧ 5 ❧
T H E C I T Y O F C A R D I F F ’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Editor JENNIFER HOBBS-ROBERTS jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Creative Director MARK ROBERTS mark@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Studio PA U L S E S S I O N S studio@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ City Life Cardiff House Cardiff Road CF63 2AW ❧ City Life Website www.citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Telephone
0845 180 2345
AROUND THE CITY I F Y O U H A V E S O M E N E W S O R A S T O R Y W H I C H Y O U’D L I K E T O S H A R E , P L E A S E C O N T A C T C I T Y L I F E
CIT YWIDE
City fans giving patients a better life An all-Wales charity aims to give cystic fibrosis patients a better life, thanks to Cardiff City fans and a leading photography studio. Life First Photography of Rhiwbina is donating free photo-session gift packs to raise money for the Better Life Appeal, based at University Hospital Llandough.
The packs, specially designed for Cardiff City fans, sell for £25 and entitle the recipient to a free studio session at LifeFirst Photography plus a print.
“We’re very pleased to help out in this way, and hope the idea really catches on with City fans as a gift for a special occasion or family birthday.”
The full £25 goes to the Better Life Appeal, which is improving services at the All Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre at University Hospital Llandough.
The Better Life Appeal photo gift packs are available from Cardiff City’s stadium outlets at £25 – all of which goes to the appeal.
The centre provides its 190-plus patients with care, support, advice and encouragement to meet the needs of each individual and their families who are affected by this lifelong disease.
Further information about the gift packs is available from LifeFirst Photography on 029 20 611333.
“We have been lucky to have the support of Cardiff City for many years,” said Dr Ian Ketchell. “This generous offer from Life First Photography gives City fans a wonderful way to support our appeal and provide an ideal gift.” “I’ve seen the fantastic work that’s being done at the centre at Llandough,” said Andy Lee, of Life First Photography.
CIT YWIDE
The illy Art Collection cups, all signed, numbered and produced in limited editions, are coveted by art lovers and coffee lovers alike. Rare cups, such as those initially made by Thun in 1990, can fetch as much as £2,500 in private sale.
Strada presents the illy Art Collection A unique exhibition, twenty years in the making and conceived to combine the aesthetic pleasure of art with the sensory pleasure of coffee, will arrive in Cardiff this August. Featuring 286 espresso coffee cups interpreted by some of the greatest artists of our generation, including Jeff Koons, Robert Rauschenberg and Marina Abramovic, Strada presents the illy Art Collection, aims to transform the everyday act of drinking a cup of coffee into an experience involving all the senses. The exhibition – part of Strada’s 10th birthday celebrations – blends illy’s passion for all things beautiful and its appreciation of modern art. The Collection also includes cup designs from some of the most influential contributors to film and music. Works by Francis Ford Coppola, David Byrne, Federico Fellini and Pedro Almódovar will also be showcased in the Strada restaurant in Cardiff.
The Collection though is not just about ‘famous names’. Over the past 20 years illy has also collaborated with lesser known artists and students from all over the world to give them an opportunity to express themselves through its porcelain cups. The illy Art Collection began when the company changed the design of its espresso cup in 1990. Ernesto Illy wanted to create a new, exclusively shaped, cup that could also stand on its own as a work of art. He contacted the designer and architect Matteo Thun to design it and the "illy" espresso cup, as a signature piece, was born. Twenty years on and the exclusively shaped cup is now used in more than 50,000 of the best restaurants and coffee bars in the world, including Strada in Cardiff. ❧ 6 ❧
Carlo Bach, artistic director at illycaffè, says, “With each espresso cup, we are creating a piece of art that can be viewed, touched and cradled in the hand. The Collection elevates and enhances our everyday coffee experience. It illustrates our passion for all things beautiful and well-made.” Strada presents the illy Art Collection runs from 5th- 18th August at Strada, 24 Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF10 5BZ. The exhibition is open seven days a week from 11.30 am until 10.30 pm, and is free of charge. Visit www.strada.co.uk for more details.
CARDIFF
Second gala of massed male choirs By popular demand a second Gala of Massed Male Choirs hosted by the Cardiac Charity SADS UK will be held at St Davids Hall, Cardiff on May 8th 2010 at 7pm The cardiac charity SADS UK hosted a Gala of Massed Male Choirs at St David’s Hall Cardiff in February last year. Despite the worst snowfall in years the audience was undeterred as over 1,000 people took to their seats to enjoy a wonderful evening of music and song, presented by BBC Wales most experienced and high profile news and sports presenter Jason Mohammad.
Jason Mohammad and Anne Jolly , founder of SADS UK
Major Denis Burton and Frank Jones MD
Jamie Roberts
Elin Manahan Thomas
The audience were treated to the Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh and the Corps of Drums performing under the expertise of their Director of Music, Major Denis Burton. After Henry Mancinis Swing March led by Major Andy Jones, the lights were dimmed for the spectacular drums ‘Victory Beatings’ where the audience were wowed as the ultra-violet light picked out just the drumsticks and they appeared to dance in time to the music. Their timing was impeccable.
This year’s concert
SADS UK
The Gala of Massed Male Choirs on May 8th 2010, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, again promises to be a night to remember and seats are filling fast.
This year, SADS UK will be welcoming dignitaries to the evening, including the Mayor of Newport, Wayne David MP, Jeff Cuthbert AM and the President of the Welsh Association of Male Choirs Su Morris.
The strong stage presence and skill of City of Newport Musical Director, Frank Jones from Bedwas was evident as he conducted the massed male choir of over 400 voices bringing them together to perform so seamlessly. Their powerful performance included A-Men arr. Roberts/Proctor and Eli Jenkins Prayer, Troyte arr J Jenkins.
Rugby union star Jamie Roberts, the new face of Wales’ for the cardiac charity SADS UK will be putting in a guest appearance. As the charity’s patron he is keen to endorse the work that SADS UK are carrying out in Wales.
The beautiful Natalya Romaniw (who also took part in the Singer of the World in Cardiff last year) accompanist Caradog Williams indulged the audience to popular renditions from Mozart to Puccini.
Frank Jones was keen to include the audience and the house lights went up in the first half as they sang sung Cwm Rhondda and to finish the evening a very rousing Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Inspired by the work of SADS UK, Jamie Roberts has pledged support to the charity and its work with the cardiac genetic service at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, by becoming a patron.
The Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh and the Corps of Drums are again performing to support the charity SADS UK. Renowned for their versatility and popular with audiences of all ages they promise to provide another entertaining and exciting evening. The beautiful Soprano Elin Manahan Thomas who has performed in many of the world’s leading venues will take centre stage, accompanied by Angharad Morgan in a couple of duets, together with pianist Jane Samuel. The evening will be recorded by Sports Media Ltd to ensure that people can watch the evening time and again, and reminisce about actually being there on the night. ❧ 7 ❧
Proceeds from the evening will assist SADS UK with their work with families in Wales, providing support to the Institute of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, which serves the whole of Wales. Tickets Tickets are available from St David’s Hall Box Office on 02920 878444 online at www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk The 13 choirs taking part are: Barry Male Choir City of Newport Male Choir Cor Meibion Maesteg a’r Clych Glynneath Male Voice Choir Llandybie Male Choir Ogmore Valley Choir Oxford Welsh Male Choir Penarth Male Voice Choir Porthcawl Male Choir Ynsyowen (Aberfan & District) Male Choir Caerphilly Male Choir Haverfordwest For further information contact Eve Lloyd-Daughton SADS UK Wales on 029 2086 9486 info@sadsuk.org.
WHAT’S ON
There’s a lot happening this season with a whole host of events across the city. Visit www.citylifecardiff.co.uk for more. FONMON
St David’s Polo THE event of the year! Now that spring has finally sprung, it’s time to start filling our summer diaries. The must attend event of the year has to be the St David’s Polo, ‘The Sport of Kings and the King of Sports’ event on Sunday the 27th June, 2010.
This year’s event will once again be staged in the picturesque village of Fonmon, Rhoose and the estate of Fonmon Castle as guests of Sir Brooke Boothby. The match will be played on newly prepared ground and viewed from a Hospitality Pavilion with a private enclosure, Polo Boxes situated directly onto the ground and a picnic area for field only tickets. The Event will commence at 12 noon for Hospitality Guests, 1pm for Polo Boxes and 1.30pm for Picnic parking. Live music will be provided by DJ Rich in the Hospitality Marquee, post match party from 5pm to 8pm. For more information on the St David’s Polo and to reserve your table, polo box or picnic pass, please visit www.stdavidspolo.co.uk
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“I look forward to greeting you on a sunny day.” Geoff Lloyd Chairman of St Davids Polo Club Sunday 27th June 2010 Wales vs Italy This year St David’s Polo are raising the bar for quality and entertainment by introducing a Welsh polo team supported by Microsoft to play three prestigious and exciting tournaments in Wales. St Davids Polo Club 34 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9LE geoff@stdavidspolo.co.uk 029 2066 6091 www.stdavidspolo.co.uk
CIT YWIDE
Micro Marathon heads for Wales Some of the world’s smallest and most unusual cars are heading for Wales later this year for a rally with a difference. The Micro Marathon 2010 will bring together classic microcars of less than 700cc for a round-Wales tour, taking in some of the country’s most challenging mountains, hills and coastal routes. The provisional entry includes cars such as Fiat 500s, Citroen 2CVs, Berkeleys, Subaru 360s, Messerschmitt Tigers and BMW “bubble cars” from all around the UK, as well as France and the Netherlands. The Fiat-supported event builds on the success of the 2008 Liege-Brescia-Liege microcar rally and last year’s Micro Marathon in the Pyrenees. “There was a demand for an event closer to home,” said organiser Malcolm McKay, of ClassicRallyPress. “Where better than Wales, with its stunning scenery and famous hospitality!” The event is a test of navigation skills and vehicle durability, but is designed to be very accessible to the first-timer. “Most of the entrants for our 2008 event had never been in a rally before, but they loved the experience,” added McKay. “People in the towns and villages we passed through were thrilled to see these colourful little cars.”
The tour starts on Sunday September 5 from the National Microcar Rally at Malvern, Worcestershire, and heads to Brecon Castle for the welcome dinner. Over the next six days, the cars head north, through the Black Mountains, Powys and border country; then to the north coast, Anglesey and Snowdon, before heading south over the Cambrian mountains, to Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, the Vale of Glamorgan, up into the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, and dropping back to the coast for a spectacular finish at Cardiff’s Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay – followed by a night in the St David’s Hotel. En route, there are circuit time trials, including famous venues such as Pembrey and Anglesey.
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Entries are still being accepted at £2300 for a two-person team, rising to £2500 at March 31. The cost includes hotel accommodation each night and all meals from dinner on September 5 to breakfast on September 12, plus maps and mechanical back-up. Information is available at www.classicrallypress.co.uk or from Malcolm McKay on 07711 901811.
“There are now reckoned to be fewer than 50 Paos in Britain, and this example was acquired by Cardiff enthusiast Andrew Weltch last year.”
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PAO WOW! You may have spotted this strange little car around the roads of Cardiff in recent months. The pale blue colouring and round headlights suggest it’s perhaps from the early 1960s. Its cute, but utilitarian looks could be French - a Renault or Citroen perhaps? Is it stylish enough to be Italian? A bigger brother to the iconic Fiat 500, maybe? Or is it from further east? Some kind of Trabant or other Eastern Bloc rarity? But, hang on – it’s right-hand-drive! Is it from India, or a home-built kit car of some kind? The answers are all no. The badge on the car says ‘Pao produced by Pike factory.’ Even most car buffs would be none the wiser, so let’s explain. This is actually a Japanese car, made by Nissan as recently as 1989. Nissan’s Pike factory offshoot also produced the more popular (or common) Figaro – a little sports car which looks like the kind of car Audrey Hepburn would have driven around the south of France. Both the Pao (pronounced ‘Pow’) and the Figaro were based on the Nissan Micra of the time, and were only produced in small numbers for a limited period as retrostyle city cars. They were never sold in the UK, but perhaps a few hundred Paos (and many more Figaros) have found their way to these shores as private imports. There are now reckoned to be fewer than 100 Paos in Britain, and this example was acquired by Cardiff enthusiast Andrew Weltch last year.
Weltch, who runs the Cardiff-based communications consultancy Weltch Media, also sees some commercial potential. “I’m hoping we can use it to promote our business or clients’ businesses – it certainly inspires comments when I pull into a client’s car park.” The car, which despite its primitive appearance is equipped with power steering and air conditioning, is likely to be seen at a few car shows in south Wales this summer. It may also be part of a record attempt for the most Paos ever gathered together in the UK. At present, the record stands at just three, so with four or five due at Fig10 – a gathering of Pike series cars in Warwick in the summer – a new record is on the cards. The stunning photographs were taken in and around Cardiff by LifeFirst Photography, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. Telephone 029 20611333 www.life-first.com
“I picked it up on eBay for a good price,” he explained. “It does need some tidying up, but has been reliable so far – and is a great conversation piece.” Returning from a trip to Devon a few months ago, the M5 was closed and he found himself in nose-to-tail traffic on side roads. “I was behind the wheel non-stop for almost seven hours,” he said. “The car coped fine. I just wished there was a bit more padding in the seat!”
“The Pao, despite its primitive appearance is equipped with power steering and air conditioning.” ❧ 11 ❧
MUSIC Reviewed by Francis Brown of www.newsoundwales.com New Sound Wales aims to: ■ Keep you up to date with new bands and performers that are emerging from Wales and beyond. ■ Recommend new CD’s and music downloads. ■ Let you know which Welsh gigs are coming up in the months ahead.
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R AC E H O R S E S
LOS CAMPESINOS!
Goodbye Falkenberg
Romance is Boring
This is a band bursting with energy, enthusiasm and ideas and when it works well, such as the future indie classic ‘Cake’ it is uplifting and full of energy. On this form Race Horses seem to be odds on favourites to succeed the Super Furry Animals as the next great Welsh band.
Less frantic and more thoughtful than previous releases, showing a distinct and developing style. The band are now veterans of producing indie pop hits with apparent ease. However, there is also a maturity and willingness to experiment. Overall this album is a huge leap forward.
If you like acoustic, folk and alternative music, www.newsoundwales.com is the place to bookmark and check on a regular basis. New Sound Wales are keen to hear what you think about music in Wales, what bands you’re listening to and who you would like to see playing in Wales. For more information contact Francis at www.newsoundwales.com City Life ‘we love music’ rating system ❦❦❦❦❦ Complete scorcher ❦❦❦❦ Sunny with clouds ❦❦❦ Some showers ❦❦ Overcast and grey ❦ Complete washout
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JESSICA LEE MORGAN
THE SCHOOL
I Am Not
Loveless Unbeliever
The variety of styles on this debut album may confuse some, ranging as it does from acoustic folk to modern electro pop. However, all of the songs are extremely high quality and memorable. ‘Leave the Light on’ is the stand out track and deserves to be a hit.
The School are fast becoming one of the principality’s hottest musical properties. Channelling classic 60s pop through a 21st century filter and you end up with a glorious sound. Highly infectious and could well cross over from the indie crowd to a wider audience.
You can trust a dog from Registered Charity Numbers 227523 and SC037843
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ELLIE GOULDING
FFRED JONES
R AC H E L TAY L O R B E A L E S
Lights
Feed the Fire EP
Dust & Gold
A great new talent from Wales – well Hereford to be precise. Classy electro pop songs with a folk sensibility. Following Little Boots, Florence etc this is further proof that the ladies are taking over and leading the way. Come on guys pull your fingers out!
A upbeat collection of songs from one of Wales’most talented young singer songwriters that is ideal for a sunny day. If you like Jack Johnson you will love this EP. Even better all proceeds are going to Ty Hafan and it even features a Welsh choir!
The third part of a trilogy of releases, this album adds Jazz overtones into the mix which helps lift it way above the usual collection of singer song writers around at the moment. Based in Cardiff, Rachel Taylor Beales looks set to enhance her reputation further with this release.
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LUCKY DELUCCI
MARINA & THE DIAMONDS
THE ALARM
December 1986
The Family Jewels
Have One on Me
Part of a group of bands in Cardiff who seem to mix and match members and ideas. This single release demonstrates a growing confidence and maturity in its tale of lost innocence. Their sound is loose and relaxed and will appeal to fans of the Gorkys and Sufjan Stevens.
Half Welsh, Half Greek is an interesting musical cocktail and this is an intriguing album. Marina’s voice is very distinctive and might grate with some being reminiscent of Lene Lovich and Kate Bush. However, this is a classy album with some strong material such as the brilliant ‘Rootless’.
Having taken my nephews and niece to see the Damned supported by the Alarm recently it was the Alarm that had the most impact with the youngsters. Somewhat formulaic? - slightly. Anthemic? - most definately but even so, this is a surprisingly fresh sounding album.
JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES S O U T H WA L E S
S O U T H WA L E S
S O U T H WA L E S
Ever wanted to publish your own book?
Distribution executive
New business/ sales executive
Well now you can! City Life magazine can help you get your book into print.
Due to continued expansion, we are looking for a fit, smart, enthusiastic person to distribute our magazines City Life, Vale Life and new publication, Valleys Life.
We are looking for a, smart, enthusiastic person to help us to develop our publications and brand across south Wales.
You might like to write and publish your own biography - perhaps you have some tales to tell. You may be a budding poet but just haven’t plucked up the courage to publish your own work. You might be a local group or historical society that would like to immortalise your community in print. Perhaps you have some interesting local history that you would like to record for posterity. Whatever your reason, whether it’s a biography, a journal about a favourite interest or even some musings on your local area we can help with design and layout, writing and editing, proof reading, photography and illustration, printing and marketing. For more information contact: mark@citylifecardiff.co.uk or phone 0845 130 6452
You will have an outgoing and personable personality and be able to manage your time and distribution routes effectively. Preferably you may use your own vehicle (you should be in possession of a clean UK driving licence) or one could be supplied. This is initially a freelance contract for six months, however, should the right person present themselves, then a full time position may be possible. For further information regarding pay, hours etc, please email your CV to jennifer@valelife.co.uk or post to Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts at Good Life Publishing, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, CF63 2AW. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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Our magazines City Life, Vale Life and our new publication Valleys Life require a highly motivated individual to generate leads, develop business relationships and, most importantly, close sales. You will ideally have a background in advertising sales. A good basic, plus commission, plus profit share could be available to the right candidate. For further information regarding pay, hours etc, please email your CV to jennifer@valelife.co.uk or post to Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts at Good Life Publishing, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, CF63 2AW. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Artist John Pinkerton has made a living in many guises over the years but when it comes to art he certainly appears to display a...
GOLDEN EYE What is your background? I’ve worked as a window cleaner, dustman and a barman. I’ve sold watches door to door. I’ve sold perfume, been a truck driver and a mortgage advisor. I was a gold miner in Australia for a time... oh and an aid worker in Bosnia. However, I’ve always been a student of fine art and probably always will be. I make my living now as a scenic artist which supplements my income as an artist.
Please describe your work My canvas work is heavily influenced by my job as a scenic artist - this involves creating and painting various different textures and finishes for television and film sets. Most studio sets are constructed with timber and MDF, my job is to make that timber look like brick, marble, metal, stone or any other material that is required. For example, on Doctor Who it would have been alien geology, on The Libertine it involved lots of sumptuous woodgrain and antique gold. With varied and demanding briefs and a constant need for new finishes, I work with a wide variety of paints, chemicals and other mediums to create different reactions and mimic natural formations. I tend to sample on canvas before committing to anything on a larger scale. It is from these canvas samples that much of my work is born.
What inspires your work? I was in the gold fields of western Australia and I noticed the natural beauty of bore water in the bottom of the open cast mines. Its deep aquamarines and blues contrasted against the red soils of the outback. Imagine looking down on the earth from hundreds of miles up with a birds’ eye view of the coast line and ocean meeting. It’s the same thing but on a massive scale. The way the elements work with or against each other... from the erosion of a mountain range to the slow decay of a rusting bolt in a disused warehouse, these are the natural processes that inspire me.
“You can see John’s work in the James Bond film Casino Royale.
Where can we see your work? In various films and television dramas, including the lift scene in M’s apartment in the James Bond film Casino Royale. My work has also been in Layer Cake, Doctor Who, Torchwood, Mistresses and The IT Crowd to name a few. Who does your work appeal to? My main clients are currently film designers, set decorators and interior designers but in the future, I hope to be involved with many more varied projects and would like to see my work in boutique hotels, commercial premises and more homes. What does each piece cost? £500 to £1,000 for a canvas artwork and £1000 and upwards for larger scale commissioned works.
John Pinkerton can be contacted through his agent Russell ScottLawson on 029 2037 3780 John’s work can be viewed at www.afinelineart.com
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“Imagine looking down on the earth from hundreds of miles up with a birds’ eye view of the coast line and ocean meeting.”
City Life bids a warm welcome to Cooking with Kami. Kami Soroush, owner of The New Red Lion in Pendoylan will, over future issues, be introducing us to some exciting and delicious easy to cook recipes.
COOKING WITH KAMI With City Life’s new Cooking with Kami series, you don’t have to be a professional to cook fantastic recipes.
Whatever your level of competency, hopefully these pages will inspire you to learn new skills and try new recipes which you’ll then be able to put on your own dining table and amaze your family and friends. For those of you not familiar with this culinary genius, Kami was the first chef to cook an un-prepared menu live on British television back in 1993. Kami has been a chef for nearly thirty years and his previous restaurant was the highest ranked Michelin Guide entry in Wales at the time. Kami and his lovely wife Azi run The New Red Lion gastro pub, Pendoylan, which is in a delightful setting to match the excellent cuisine. The couple bought the original pub as they wanted to create a destination restaurant in the Vale countryside. With friendly staff that provide a relaxed and efficient service, their aim of creating a friendly place to eat and socialise has certainly been achieved. The emphasis for Kami is on creating simple dishes with, often, a Persian twist using the freshest ingredients and beautifully presented.
Steamed red mullet and scallops with saffron, lime, chilli sauce with asparagus Kami says, “A lot of my fellow chefs use saffron as strands or put it in a saucepan and boil it until they get the colour and texture. I think, however, that this is a very expensive and wasteful way of using saffron. The best way to use saffron, as my grandmother used to say, is to put dry saffron strands in a pestle and mortar and grind it to a very fine powder. Put this fine powder in a small jar and add boiling water to it - the amount of water is up to you. The more water, the less flavour and colour, so you have to use more of it. This will keep with a lid on it in the fridge for a long time.”
Steamed red mullet and scallops with saffron, lime, chilli sauce with asparagus Ingredients 2 fillets of red mullet (3 to 4oz each) 2 scallops (cleaned) 3 - 4 asparagus spears ½ chilli de-seeded and chopped finely ½ fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon of Reisling wine 1 tablespoon of saffron liquid 1 teaspoon of demerera sugar
The New Red Lion Gastro Pub Pendoylan Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7UJ 01446 760332 www.newredlion.com
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Method ■ Butter the inside of a ring (4cm deep and 7-8 cm in diameter). ■ Season the fish with salt and pepper and put one fillet of red mullet skin side down in a ring. ■ Top with scallops, a strand of fresh dill and tarragon (optional) and top it with the other red mullet fillet (skin side up). ■ Put this ring in a steamer for 7 to 9 minutes. ■ Put the rest of the ingredients in a small saucepan and reduce to a third. ■ Cook asparagus spears by dropping them in boiling water for 1 minute. ■ Place fish with the ring in the middle of the plate. ■ Bring the sauce to boil and take off heat. Add a knob of butter to it until it melts (this will thicken the sauce). Pour around the fish, ■ Lift the ring and arrange asparagus around it. ■ Enjoy! If you have any problems with the recipe contact me at www.newredlion.com
R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E W
River View Chinese Restaurant I fell in love with my husband over dinner at a Chinese Restaurant and, as a result, I have developed a real romantic soft spot for a good Chinese meal. Nothing makes me want to glam up and go out quite like the thought of being wooed over prawn toast and crispy seaweed! So I jumped at the chance at a night out at the River View Chinese Restaurant in Cowbridge, which is beautifully perched over the river Thaw. Yes it was a damp Friday night in March, but I was unstoppable. It was for this reason I booked the table for 8.30pm. Purposely delaying my pleasure; so I wouldn’t find myself dining in a quiet and empty restaurant with little or no atmosphere and just whooshing down the food so I could move on which proved not to be the case in this instance as you’ll discover when you read on. The main restaurant is on the second floor, as the first floor is mainly bar and takeaway waiting area so, as we opened the glass door just off the decked outdoor seating area, I was a bit confused as to where to go. I was saved however by the wonderfully warm owner, Neng, who greeted us with a hearty smile and a nod to come upstairs. As we followed Neng, my husband was completely taken with some of the traditional art work on the stairwell. Clearly the service was exceptional as the evening allowed us to be well attended to, and it wasn’t long before we were settled with our menus (and my glass of house white, dry).
I always try the house wine in a new restaurant; I must have read somewhere that it gives you the measure of the attention to detail the owner truly has. I wasn’t disappointed. I was served a very crisp and apple filled Sauvignon Blanc, which was to cut through the meal and hold its own well, not so harsh that it would burn, but rounded enough to make me want more. I must point out here that my husband and I have rather healthy appetites and eyes that are always bigger than our bellies (especially in a Chinese restaurant). So when I tell you what we ordered, please think less ill of us! To start, we decided to share a little each of the classical Lettuce Wrap and a tasty Squid with Chilli and Peppers. The presentation was truly beautiful and I spent the first minute trying to dissect the rather intricate cucumber carving that adorned my squid; which was packed with flavour. Coated in a light but salty batter, the squid was still wonderfully tender and the hand chopped peppers and chilli made my mouth water even more. This was a mere trifle however when compared to the most amazing Lettuce Wrap I have ever had. We have all had variations of the classic Chinese starter of minced pork, spices and vermicelli in an iceberg cup, I am sure. But this was truly something else. You could clearly tell this had been chopped by hand rather than blended for the sake of convenience. I could distinctly taste each element of the wrap and, while the depth of flavour was a real winner, it was the crunch of the fresh lettuce followed by the exciting interior that really got me chomping. The main course of rice, Singapore Noodles, Beef with Black Bean sauce and Ginger, Salt Chilli Prawns followed and I had to try the intriguingly named Three Times Stuffed Delicacy. ❧ 17 ❧
Anything that said delicacy in here must really mean it! All the dishes were full of spice and flavour, each cooked to perfection and a picture to look at. In fact, it was a nice, safe combination of mushrooms and peppers stuffed with minced pork and tofu, so perhaps a lesson on my part on over-indulgence. Although we ate all that we could, in our defence the portions are incredibly generous, even when we asked for a small portion of rice and noodles, it was still enough to feed three. The meal overall was outstanding and I will definitely go back to sample the rest of the menu. I am a fussy customer but River View has won me over. In fact I am certain to call in on a bright a summers evening as the layout of the restaurant, with its potential for alfresco dinning and second floor balcony, lends itself well to sultry summer nights. As with all Chinese restaurants these days, the dessert menu offered only ice cream and moulded desserts, and a night cap (nothing wrong with that). I however, abstained. I’m going to have to change my occupation as a result of my visit to River View, to that of Town Crier. “People of Cowbridge get out of your chairs, fill up the streets, the restaurants and bars. Stop watching your tellies and fill up your bellies!” Review kindly undertaken by Abbe and Stuart Vaughan (owners of Home and Colonial Fine Foods, Porthcawl)
River View Chinese Restaurant Unit 1, Britannia House Penny Lane Cowbridge CF71 7AD 01446 771668 www.riverview668.co.uk
CITY STYLE Chic jewellery and designer brands PONTCANNA
Stunning new contemporary jewellery
The collection, new to Wales, stands out for its colour and uniqueness but is highly wearable - jewellery that is so beautiful and tactile that you can’t help but fall in love with it. The pieces are plated with 18 carat gold and then brushed to give a rich satin finish. This designer is not only talented but also feels strongly about how his materials are sourced. None of this gold is mined but is sourced from recycled scraps which aren’t bought from Africa where mining conditions are often very poor. CIT Y CENTRE
Essentially Hawkes Hawkes Essentials in Cardiff’s beautifully restored Morgan Arcade has been dressing gentlemen for success since 1994. City Life talks to owner Russell Scott Lawson about why he believes Hawkes Essentials is truly the best dressed address in Cardiff. How long has Hawkes Essentials been established? We’ve been in the Morgan Arcade, one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved arcades in the Cardiff city centre, since 1994.
One of Lucas Jack’s creations was recently seen on none other than Cheryl Cole when she was spotted wearing the Lucas Jack Angel cuff in blue chalcedony and rose quartz resin and Eclipse earrings in brushed blue chalcedony resin. The Jewellery Studio 237 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna Cardiff CF11 9PP 029 2022 1144 enquiries@jewellerystudio.co.uk www.jewellerystudio.co.uk
If it’s good enough for Cheryl...
Describe Hawkes Essentials... A high-end mens boutique which offers elegance, sophistication and ultimate style for those looking for something a bit more discerning, offering a wide range of clothes, tailoring and accessories for men. We offer timeless classics with a modern twist, and really should be your first port of call if you’re looking to update your wardrobe. What brands do you stock? Hawkes Essentials stocks both bespoke tailoring and casual wear in sizes from 38 short to 50 long from brands such as R M Williams, Sand, Camel Active, Roy Robson, Eton Shirts, Gibson, Van Kollem, Remus, Jeffery West, Bernhardt (made to measure), Without Prejudice, Grenson and Milena. What about accessories? Our range of shoes are mainly from British sources, including quality brands such as Jeffery West, R M Williams and Grenson, all of which are handmade in this country.
“We tend to appeal to the man looking for timeless classics.” ❧ 18 ❧
Which is your most popular brand? Gibson is among one of the best sellers in the store. As a fashion house their last few collections have adopted a modernised style whilst still keeping the classic feel. The brand is renowned for its traditional fine tailoring yet its attention to detail is delivered in an understated manner. What do you think is special about Hawkes Essentials? Our clothing will make you look at things differently. The inspiration for our choices emanate from a belief that quality matters most. Our tailored lines and Saville Row shaped suits will help you to create the right impression. What are the three staple items every man needs to update his spring/summer wardrobe? A lightweight denim jean, either a white or black linen shirt and a linen lightweight blazer for a cool summer. Hawkes Essentials 37-39 Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2037 3780 www.hawkesessentials.com
Photograph Huw T Walters
There’s a buzz in Pontcanna... one which I can now share with you. The Jewellery Studio in Pontcanna is stocking beautiful, wearable yet easily affordable jewellery by Lucas Jack.
B A R RY
Smolanny’s, a one-stopshop for your child If ever there was a one-stop-shop for designer nursery products and children’s wear, then it has to be Smolanny’s in Barry’s High Street.
“If your child is aged one to ten, he or she can look a million dollars in designer brand clothing and footwear.”
Owners Cathy and Andrew Lane have carefully selected the very latest baby gifts, nursery products, toys and clothing which brings customers from near and far. With products from household names such as I-Candy, Bugaboo, Phil and Ted, Quinny, Musty, Maclaren and Maxi Cosi to a wide range of books and puzzles, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If your child is aged one to ten, he or she can look a million dollars in the designer brand clothing and footwear available such as Emile et Rose, Bonnie Baby, Little Darlings, Lego, IKKS, French Connection Baby & Kids and the popular Lelli Kelly and Converse shoes. A visit to Smolanny’s is a must! What struck me on my visit, was the great customer service and friendly advice given by Cathy and her staff. Time was taken to ensure each customer was given all the help that they needed. It’s no wonder this boutique has such a good reputation!
“Our clothing will make you look at things differently. The inspiration for our choices emanate from a belief that quality matters most.”
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Coming soon will be the exciting Smolanny’s new e-commerce website. Watch this space. Smolanny’s 1 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 738884 info@smolannybaby.co.uk www.smolannybaby.co.uk Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 11am - 4pm (with some flexibility)
PURPLE REIGN Room for Living’s reputation for quality kitchen design holds no bounds. They can even design the kitchen to match your favourite colour. We visit Mr and Mrs James at their Colwinston home to find out how they’e living with their new purple kitchen. What made you consider Room For Living as your kitchen designers? Our house was built in 1975 and we still had the same kitchen cupboards in 2009. When we returned in 1999 from working in Bermuda, I would randomly go into various kitchen shops and ask if I could have a purple kitchen. Last year, I went into Room For Living and asked Steve whether I could have a purple kitchen and he said yes. Did you look at other kitchen companies before choosing them? We visited almost every other kitchen company in South Wales to make sure that we had the best. With whom did you liaise? Steve Moulton. What was it about Room For Living that made you choose them? On our second visit to the showroom, Steve produced a cupboard which had been professionally painted purple. This showed initiative and really impressed me. Tell us about your love of purple Purple has always been my favourite colour. I was a Latin teacher prior to retirement and since I was always interested in the Romans, this probably influenced me. The Romans were particularly keen on purple, which, during some periods of the Empire, could be worn only by the Emperor and his family.
“Purple has always been my favourite colour.”
Tell us about how they matched your chosen shade of purple? I looked through the various RAL colour charts and liked a few of the purple shades. Since I was unsure which would look the best in the kitchen, Steve advised us to paint the old cupboards different shades, matt and gloss, and live with them until I was certain. After a few months, I was convinced that the deep purple NCS S3555-R60B was right for me. Did they meet your expectations? Yes, Steve was absolutely brilliant. I informed him at the beginning of the project that I was a perfectionist and as I am already sixty, this was my one and only chance to have the kitchen I had always wanted. Throughout my life, I had made do with the kitchens in the houses where we had lived. However, Steve and the team at Room For Living surpassed my wildest dreams! I explained what I wanted and Steve was constantly coming up with great suggestions, which my husband and I had not considered. I visited Room For Living several times a week for months, agonising over every detail and Steve was so patient and informative – a lesser man would have buckled under my continual demands! I wanted everything balanced and Steve even ordered two of the same grilles so that the one for the fridge and the one for the plinth heater would be the same. Were they clean and tidy? Yes. Before they left each evening, they cleaned and tidied. Are you pleased with the end result? We are delighted with the end result; I now have the kitchen of my dreams. Before they began, I was worried that the Silestone counters, cupboards and floor tiles would not look good together but Steve’s suggestions and advice were right on the mark. The kitchen looks fantastic, so much larger than it did with the old green cupboards. ❧ 20 ❧
Would you recommend the Room For Living team to your friends and family? When we mentioned to friends and family that we were going to have a purple kitchen, the response was usually, “You ARE brave!” Now that it is completed, everyone has said that it looks fabulous and you can tell from their expressions that they mean it. If any friend or relative wanted a new kitchen, I would definitely recommend Steve Moulton and Room For Living.
“When we mentioned that we were going to have a purple kitchen, the response was usually, “You are brave!” Now that it’s complete, everyone says it looks absolutely fabulous.”
“If any friend or relative wanted a new kitchen, I would definitely recommend Room For Living.”
Are you happy in your new kitchen? I feel extremely happy. Before we had this kitchen, I could easily go to bed, leaving the kitchen in a dreadful mess. Now it is always immaculate! Room For Living Willow Walk,Cowbridge CF71 7EE 01446 771 234 info@rflkitchens.com www.roomforlivingcowbridge.com
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City Life talks to diamond specialist Roger Williams of The Jewellery Studio in Pontcanna about the latest trend for engagement and wedding rings that are...
MADE FOR EACH OTHER A carefully designed engagement ring will enable classic styles of wedding bands to fit snugly against them. The Jewellery Studio offers a range of rings designed to fit together in platinum or 18ct gold. We talk to owner Roger Williams.
You have a reputation as one of the area’s finest jewellery designers and diamond experts I offer excellent advice based on my knowledge gained over many years in the business. I am as enthusiastic now as I ever was. The designs that I create follow fashion trends and whether customers are choosing an engagement ring or a special anniversary ring, I ensure that the result will exceed their expectations. I also think customers like the fact that we can source interesting and dynamic cuts. For example, we introduced the Inferno Cut diamond which took three years from design to manufacture. The stone which is cut as a square or rectangle has 81 facets which increases its sparkle by up to 40%.
We also sourced the beautiful Trillion cut diamond solitaire, from the same diamond cutters, from which we have created a unique engagement ring which is absolutely stunning and has to be seen to be fully appreciated. What can customers expect to pay? I can work to most budgets and if customers want something really special, I can always source the perfect diamond as I have a diamond partner that I work closely with in Antwerp. Platinum continues to follow the fashion trend for white metal and is without doubt the metal of choice for Engagement rings and wedding rings. If a tight budget demands cost cutting then the man’s wedding ring can now be produced in palladium, it looks like platinum, now carries a hallmark, and is more affordable than what was the previous less expensive alternative, white gold.
“We introduced the Inferno Cut diamond which took three years from design to manufacture. The stone, which is cut as a square or rectangle, has 81 facets which increases its sparkle by up to 40%.” ❧ 22 ❧
“The beautiful Trillion cut diamond solitaire (above) has to be seen to be fully appreciated.” What else do you offer? We’ve gained a reputation over the years for our ability to repair and prolong the life of old and antique pieces of jewellery and when these pieces cannot be repaired, I can often re-design the piece using the original gemstones. Also when gemstones are lost we are able to source the necessary replacements.
“I work to most budgets and if customers want something really special, I can always source the perfect diamond.” The Jewellery Studio 237 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna Cardiff CF11 9PP 029 2022 1144 enquiries@jewellerystudio.co.uk www.jewellerystudio.co.uk
“Here, at The Jewellery Studio, I offer a range of rings designed to fit together in platinum or 18ct gold.”
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If you think beautiful interior design is out of your reach, think again. Lesley Taylor BIDA, of the award winning Taylor’s Etc talks about her passion for...
AFFORDABLE ELEGANCE How long has Taylors Etc been established? We opened the store just over four years ago. It was designed to show the full range of products and services we supply in the best way possible. Since opening, the showroom has won a number of awards including, ‘Excellence in Retailing’ and even though bathroom design is just one of our services, the store has been honoured with the UK ‘Bathroom Showroom of the Year’ award on two separate occasions.
How many designers do you have working with you? There are six of us plus an all important support team. Many of our designers are qualified architectural interior designers and this level of expertise ensures the service we offer is of a very high standard. I am proud of our team, they’re a great bunch to work with and are as passionate about design as I am. Their enthusiasm is contagious - it’s great to see them taking the customers’ hopes for the project and offering a unique, creative solution.
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What services do you provide? Customers can call into the showroom and just buy a single roll of wallpaper, some tiles for their kitchen, they can commission us to design a bathroom or even the entire interior of their home. We are here to help in which ever way the customer finds most useful. What products do you display? Our interiors department offers wall coverings and fabrics from design houses such as Designers Guild, Zoffany and Andrew Martin.
“We have customers that buy tiles from us or even just a scatter cushion or a few rolls of wallpaper and there are those that want a full design service and complete project management.” We have tiles from some of the world’s most exciting manufacturers and quarries and, as we buy direct, we are very competitive. Our bathroom ranges are wonderful, they enable us to create anything from a simple en-suite clad in stone, to wet rooms and/or steam rooms that add a spa-like quality to a home. We are just taking delivery of a wonderful range of garden furniture ensuring our customers can extend the design focus of their homes into the garden.
Who do you design for? Anyone who likes nice things really. We work with domestic customers, architects, property developers and hoteliers. What are you working on at the moment? We are working with some great customers at the moment, one or two are just looking to give their homes a little tweak with new curtains or wallpaper, others are needing more technical guidance with bathrooms and tiles. We are designing a new restaurant chain; a small boutique hotel in Pembrokshire; and we are also helping one or two customers with the interiors of their whole homes. What budgets do you cater for? That is the exciting thing about design, it shouldn’t have to be about how much money you have to spend, it’s the way to use your budget that counts. I genuinely believe that you get better value for money when you purchase at Taylor’s Etc, as we focus on the design as a whole, helping create an inspiring interior rather than just selling product. Who would you like to work for? We like working for a diverse range of customers , it ensures our ideas are fresh and inivative. An ideal customer is someone who is looking for something a little different and who appreciates the impact an interior designer can have on their interior scheme. Some of our most rewarding projects have been those where the customer was happy to let us push the boundaries a little when we created a design based on their personality and lifestyle.
“We are here to help in which ever way the customer finds most useful.” ❧ 25 ❧
What would you say is special about Taylors? We genuinely care. It’s important that the products we offer are of a very high standard, the service we offer the customer is very design focused and technically sound and we want the customer’s whole shopping experience to be enjoyable. This is why our research shows that over 70% of our customers have either bought from us before or they have been recommended by others who have.
Taylor’s Etc The Design Quarter 143 Colchester Avenue Cardiff CF23 9AN 029 2035 8400 lesley@taylorsetc.co.uk www.taylorsetc.co.uk www.taylorsetccommercial.co.uk
Within a mere four years, Hamptons in Penarth has established itself as one of the most innovative interiors stores in Wales. It oozes style, from the seductive range of home fragrances to the gorgeous room sets and soft furnishings. Owners Peter Knowles and Andy Bradshaw introduce...
THE SPRING
Peter and Andy work hard to source products that are not generally seen on the high street and with over thirty years design experience, interiors expert Andy strives to find new and exciting design led products to showcase at the store.
“Many of our customers enjoy the fact that our products are fairly unique,” says Andy, “which also means you won’t see them everywhere.” We paused to sit on a stunning contemporary sofa and Andy explained that it’s part of a collection designed by Sir Terence Conran. “We’re delighted to be one of the few stockists in Wales of Content by Conran. The quality and craftsmanship is excellent, is made in Britain and the choice of fabrics is superb.”
“Our table lamps in bronze and champagne are an ideal way to add a dash of colour to any scheme.”
With citrus colours being high on the interiors agenda this year, Hamptons are showing the Aspen sofa in a dark green felt contrasted very strikingly with an Aspen chair in star fruit. “Yes it’s bright,” said Peter, “but it’s a real eye catcher.”
Cushions and rugs have been a tremendous success at Hamptons and that’s because the collection is unlike any we have seen elsewhere. There are Pebble cushions in subtle taupe and chocolate or for the more adventurous, shocking pink or dazzling aqua. The rugs are just as tactile and we loved watching a group of rather smart ladies kick off their shoes and enjoy the soft chenille between their toes. New for this year from the same supplier, Dreamweavers in America are cushions called Orleans and Shoreline which also has a matching bed runner. “They’re made from the same fabric as suit lining”, explained Andy, “and are a wonderful contrast to the texture of the Pebble cushions.”
“One of our new designers, Jen Rowland’s has designed the most striking collection of cushions and coordinated lampshades”, said Peter. “Inspired by nature and made from cool linen or sexy silk, the colours olive, raspberry and duck egg blue are fantastic. Jen is a designer to watch.” The selection of lighting at Hamptons is also impressive with many unusual pieces. “With metallics being a strong influence this year”, said Andy, “our table lamps in bronze and champagne are an ideal way to add a dash of colour to any scheme. Some of the lamps are real statement pieces in both colour and scale and we especially loved the hand blown glass bases from Portugal.”
Andy and Peter also showed us their collections of glassware, everything from elegant stemware to the most beautiful vases and bowls. “Our glassware is made by Polish glass specialists, LSA,” explained Peter. “The quality really is quite superb and they are constantly surprising us with their fantastic new designs and stunning colours.”
“The quality is quite superb... with fantastic designs.” ❧ 26 ❧
“With an interior design team on hand to offer free advice and a gorgeous café upstairs, Hamptons really has to be one of the most exciting independent stores in Wales.”
COLLECTION “We’re delighted to be one of the few stockists in Wales of Content by Conran. The quality and craftsmanship is excellent, is made in Britain and the choice of fabrics is superb.”
With an interior design team on hand to offer free advice and a gorgeous café upstairs, Hamptons really has to be one of the most exciting independent stores in Wales.
We had a sneak preview of the plans and some of the products they will be selling and, as you’d expect from Hamptons, it’s going to be absolutely fabulous!
And as if that wasn’t enough, Peter and Andy have just announced a huge expansion programme that will give Hamptons even more space to display their interiors collections, as well as a food hall and delicatessen on the ground floor.
Hamptons 10 Ludlow Lane, Penarth CF64 1EA 029 2070 5391 www.hamptons-design.co.uk
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Nestled amongst the many shops in Cardiff’s Royal Arcade is David Edwards Jewellers. At the helm are Jack Cohen and his partner Deborah Rawle. We delve deeper to unearth this...
HIDDEN GEM Please tell us what makes David Edwards Jewellers special? We stock a large collection of diamonds and precious gems, designed and made by our own craftsmen. We have everything here, from rings to necklaces, earrings and bracelets. With such a huge collection, we believe we have something to appeal to every customer, whatever their budget. So what sets you and Deborah apart from other jewellers? We’re both registered valuers and have more than fifty years’ experience between us so we can look at any type of valuation, including insurance, sale or probate. Why is it important to have my jewellery valued regularly? Should your jewellery be improperly valued, if anything unfortunate were to happen, then you wouldn’t get the true value from your insurers. Also if they are brought in on a regular basis, we can check for loose settings and repair these before problems occur. We also provide the customer with a photograph of their jewellery and a detailed description of each item. We’ll also give each item a clean to maximise the sparkle!
How often do you recommend a revaluation? To keep on top of jewellery values, I would recommend bringing in the most precious items every couple of years. What else do you offer? Our expert team also offers a remodelling and re-invention service, turning existing jewellery into brand new gems that combine nostalgia with contemporary design. We have a watch and jewellery repair service and we can replace missing stones if required.
“We’ve introduced the buying and selling of quality pre-owned watches and jewellery.” Have you introduced any new services recently? Yes, by popular demand, we’ve introduced the buying and selling of quality pre-owned watches and jewellery, all of which are fully serviced and guaranteed. I hear that you can source some pretty impressive diamond rings? Absolutely, Deborah and I travel the length and breadth of the globe sourcing diamonds that are both unique in design and of the highest quality and grading of stone. It’s something we’ve become well known for and it’s one of the reasons our loyal customers keep coming back.
“To keep on top of jewellery values, I would certainly recommend bringing in the most precious items every couple of years.”
David Edwards Jewellers 23 - 25 Royal Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AE 029 2064 1939 www.davidedwardsjewellers.co.uk
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HEALTH & WELLBEING Take good care of yourself with City Life’s guide to healthcare in the capital CARDIFF
Bravissimo in drive to support Wales With research showing that 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong size bra, Bravissimo, the lingerie retailer for women with bigger boobs is stepping up its efforts in Wales to empower women with an understanding of how a bra looks and feels when it fits well. One of the most common problems identified by staff at the Cardiff Bravissimo store during bra fittings is customers wearing a bra that is too big in the back and too small in the cup. Wearing the wrong size bra can cause neck, shoulder and back ache due to the weight of the boobs pulling the bra up at the back, wearing an unsupportive bra means that your muscles have to do all of the work. Cardiff store manager, Claire Wilcox, said, “Discovering your true bra size can be life changing. It’s so easy to underestimate how much your figure, and the way you feel about yourself can be transformed by the right bra. Our customers often comment that their friends thought they had lost weight after a bra fitting, because they looked so different.” As part of Bravissimo’s efforts to support Wales, the Cardiff store in Queen’s Arcade was visited last week by the Wales Women’s Rugby team for a bra fitting. Rugby team Captain Mellissa Berry said, “Visiting the Cardiff Bravissimo has been an interesting experience for the squad, and we were surprised to learn that a lot of us were not the bra size we thought we were. The girls found the bra-fitting worthwhile, and thanks to Bravissimo will be more conscious of getting properly fitted in future.”
Claire continues, “We are delighted that the Wales Women’s Rugby team is helping us get the message across to women in Wales and further afield about the benefits wearing the right size bra. With eight out of ten women regularly wearing the wrong size, the implications long-term can range from general discomfort to back and shoulder problems. We also want to show women that having bigger boobs, needn’t be a barrier to positive self-esteem or to looking great.” Bravissimo, which was set up in 1995 by founder and chief executive Sarah Tremellen prides itself on being inclusive and friendly, so there is an open invitation to call into the Cardiff store in Queen’s Arcade, or any of the other 19 outlets throughout the UK and speak to a team of professional bra fitters who are on hand to spend as much time as you like helping you to find the perfect bra for you.
“Discovering your true bra size can be life changing. It’s so easy to underestimate how much your figure, and the way you feel about yourself can be transformed by the right bra.” ❧ 30 ❧
Bravissimo 6 Queens Arcade, Queen Street Cardiff CF10 2BY 029 2087 7830 www.bravissimo.com
CARDIFF
“It’s amazing how hard winter can be on the skin; central heating can really dehydrate it. A course of OXYjet facials (ranging from £45 to £125 with a taster at £25) will revitalise your skin and get it ready for summer.”
Stepping into Spring with Triniti As the days get longer and warmer, it’s time to start getting your feet in tip top shape for when you put them on display in a fabulous pair of shoes. A pedicure or two will put a spring in your step, getting your feet looking good and you feeling great! Winter can be unkind to our feet, especially a cold one like we’ve just had. Your sensible boots or warm and comfy Uggs have kept your feet cosy, but they’ll need a bit of TLC before you put on your summer shoes. “At this time of year pedicures are really popular at the salon”, says Vanessa, owner of Triniti Beauty. “We offer pedicures to suit all pockets, with an express pedicure at £18, our standard pedicure at £28 and a luxury pedicure at £35.”
“It’s amazing how hard winter can be on the skin; central heating can really dehydrate it.”
If you’re not sure which of these great treatments will benefit you most, drop into the salon for a chat and Vanessa and the team will help you choose the perfect one for you.
If you’re looking for a fabulous, longer lasting look, Triniti offer a range of permanent polish pedicures at £28 to £30 and for something really special you can have a minx pedicure (£25) and choose from a range of fabulous patterns. Permanent polish or minx can be added to a standard or luxury pedicure for £10. As well as getting your feet looking gorgeous, you can get rid of your winter coat with a little waxing or threading, starting at £7 and a course of facials which will get you glowing for the summer.
Triniti Beauty 14 Churchill Way Cardiff CF10 2DX 029 2022 7049 info@trinitisalons.co.uk www.trinitisalons.co.uk
CARDIFF
Rosie’s an inspiration to us all In 2003, Rosie Swale Pope set off to run around the world towing her ‘mobile home.’ Five years and 53 pairs of shoes later she returned. Wolves, bears, loneliness, frostbite, pneumonia and starvation - Rosie survived all these and more, as she became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe alone on foot. In April 2010 Rosie ran 26 marathons in 26 days to raise money for two children's hospice charities, Ty Hafan and Helen and Douglas House. On 6th April, Rosie ran her second marathon – the Cardiff Half Marathon course twice, after which she delivered an inspiring talk on her adventures and challenges at the MOTI store in Cardiff.
“The death of my husband Clive from prostate cancer, taught me more than anything how precious life is.”
City Life briefly spoke to Rosie and were amazed, not only at her oustanding achievements, but her energy and vitality, especially for a woman in her early sixties. Rosie said, “The death of my husband Clive from prostate cancer in 2002, taught me more than anything about how precious life is. ❧ 31 ❧
How short it can be, that you have to grab life, do what you can while you can, and try to give something back.” For more information on Rosie, visit her website at www.rosiearoundtheworld.co.uk For more information on MOTI, visit their website at www.mymoti.com
SURF, REST Lydstep Beach Village in Pembrokeshire is richly beautiful, has a wealth of facilities, yet is surprisingly affordable. People fall in love with Lydstep Beach Village the second they arrive and it’s easy to see why. Set in a gorgeous horseshoe cove, deep within Pembrokeshire’s beautiful National Park on the western peninsula of south Wales, it offers a truly spectacular location to have your holiday home.
The scenery is stunning, it has an exclusive beach and a wealth of topquality activities and facilities. With over £1 million invested this year revamping the fantastic entertainment facility and Manor House, it’s no wonder people choose to buy holiday homes here. It’s the kind of place you want to come back to again and again. Not only is the beach beautiful and unspoilt, it’s completely private. Only people from the Holiday Park have access to it. What’s more, there’s a wide range of watersports and owners also benefit from free boat storage, mooring and launching. Lydstep Beach has its own slipway plus there’s surfing, kayaking, jet ski safari’s, banana and adrenaline boat rides, coast steering, powerboat courses – you can even go seal watching and you may see the odd dolphin frolicking in the clear blue water.
The Park itself is nestled into the countryside above the bay. It’s won many awards, which is a clue to the high standard and variety on offer. There’s a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym. Being a holiday home owner means you enjoy special privileges including exclusive use of many facilities. Owners also have their own lounge and Country Club complete with bar and snooker. There’s a wide choice of delicious food available, including à la carte in the beautiful Manor House and the refurbished complex offers a range of entertainment day and night. Lydstep Beach Village isn’t the only wonderful thing about this place. The area is surrounded by fantastic attractions. The Park overlooks the enigmatic Caldey Island which is only two miles away and is one of the holy islands. The magnificent Carew Castle is only twelve miles away and has a history spanning 2,000 years. The town of Tenby is right on your doorstep and is surrounded by medieval fortifications. It is also considered one of the UK’s finest holiday resorts, with a historical centre and three Blue Flag beaches.
“Owning your own holiday home means that you can surf, rest and play whenever you want.” ❧ 32 ❧
AND
PLAY...
To fully appreciate how idyllic Lydstep Beach Village really is, you have to experience it for yourself. Take time out, have a look round some of the luxury Holiday Homes available and see why so many people love it and return again and again. There’s something to suit all tastes and budgets. For more information or to book a no obligation visit, telephone the information line on 0871 971 0904. Please note, calls to the number above will cost no more than 10p per minute from a BT landline - calls from other networks may vary.
“Lydstep Beach offers a great range of facilities including superb relaxation and leisure facilities... and a choice of quality eating and drinking.” ❧ 33 ❧
For more information or to book a visit call 0871 971 0904 or to discover more about Lydstep visit www.lydstepbeach.co.uk
WIN!
This issue we bring you two great competitions to relax, refresh and restore you.
COMPETITION WINNERS
CITY L IFE WINTER ISSUE 2009
P R O U D
TH E CI T Y
OF
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A week at East Jordeston Cottages, Pembrokeshire
FREE
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C A R D I F F ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E
There’s no better way to get away from it all and relax by spending a week in the beautiful coastal region of Pembrokeshire. East Jordeston Cottages are five star accommodation which have been lovingly designed and furnished are only five minutes away from the popular town of Tenby. For more information on East Jordeston Cottages please see page 42. The holiday is based on two people or a family of four (two adults and two children) sharing a cottage. This offer excludes bank holidays and school holidays. It is subject to change and availability.
WINTER WARMER
To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: East Jordeston Cottages Competition, City Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk. Please type East Jordeston Cottages as the email title.
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Last issue’s lucky winners TRINITI BEAUTY C L A R E FA R R O W Heath, Cardiff
.
SKI LODGE WINNER TO BE NOTIFIED Cardiff
You can win too! Come on City Life readers! You have every chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes just like the lucky winners above. All competition entries must be received by 1 July 2010. Winners will be notified within 14 days and prize must be taken by 1 September 2010.
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Q
In our Summer issue
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Answer
Watch out for our Summer issue. We’ll be bringing you our biggest and best competition ever. Make sure you pick up a copy!
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WIN! Five OXYjet energising facials with Triniti Beauty
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE OF CITY LIFE MAGAZINE...
CITY L IFE SPRING ISSUE 2010
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Get your face in fabulous condition for the summer with an intensive course of OXYjet energising facials.
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The lucky winner will receive five OXYjet energising facials (one a week for 5 weeks) that will leave you looking fresh and young and is worth £225. OXYjet, known as the ‘Celebrity Facial Treatment’, is the world’s most effective Oxygen System available. For more information about Triniti Beauty and OXYjet see page 31.
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A subscription to City Life makes the perfect gift!
Despite 10,000 copies of City Life being distributed in and around Cardiff, it seems they go like proverbial hot cakes!
What better gift than one friends and loved ones can enjoy all year round. Especially if they live in another part of the UK.
We deliver to many outlets in and around the city centre including, Pontcanna, Llandaff, Canton, Cathays, Roath, Llanishen, Rhiwbina, St Mellons, Radyr, Llanedeyrn and not forgetting Culverhouse Cross and Cardiff Bay.
A subscription to City Life will keep them up to speed with all that’s great and gorgeous about the city and all for just £20. Of course, they can always visit www.citylifecardiff.co.uk but there’s nothing nicer than having the real thing delivered to their letterbox.
But if you still can’t get hold of your copy, then a subscription will guarantee you get your copy.
If it is a gift, make sure you complete the recipient details carefully.
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To subscribe, fill in the coupon below and send a cheque made out to City Life for £20 (four issues) to: City Life. Cardiff House, Cardiff Road CF63 2AW.
To subscribe, fill in the coupon below and send a cheque made out to City Life for £20 (four issues) to: City Life. Cardiff House, Cardiff Road CF63 2AW.
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To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Triniti Competition, City Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk. Please type Triniti as the title for your email.
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CITY BUSINESS A round up of news in and around Cardiff
PENARTH
Silky smooth opening for Arth Wines When the Wine Rack on Station Approach in Penarth sadly closed its doors in December, it was a great loss to many Penarth residents. However, there’s now a reason to raise a glass or two as the former Wine Rack has reopened under the ownership of wine afficionado Richard Silk. The new business has been renamed as Arth Wines, Arth being the Welsh word for bear (all will become clear when you see the company’s new branding).
Richard said, “We’re independent and we want to focus on offering great customer service and providing a large variety to encourage you to try new wines. This is a real passion for me and, as well as offering well known wines, we will also provide exclusive products from some of the smaller vineyards around the world. We will be carrying an excellent selection of red, rose and white wines, as well as a superb selection of champagnes. There will also be some Welsh wines for fans of local vineyards.” Lager and beer drinkers will not be disappointed either as Richard has sourced a comprehensive selection of real ales and good lagers, including some from the Vale of Glamorgan’s own brewery. Richard added, “It’s really important to me to support local businesses so I’m delighted to be able to offer the Vale of Glamorgan Brewery’s products here at Arth Wines.”
Richard has great plans for Arth Wines including development of the store front and the creation of a wine lounge within the premises which will offer wine tastings and other events. Arth Wines Old Masonic Buildings Station Approach Penarth CF64 3EE 029 2070 1091 Opening Hours Monday to Thursday 10am - 8pm Friday and Saturday 10am - 10pm Sunday (currently) 4pm - 8pm
CARDIFF
Rubix celebrates first anniversary The Cardiff Bay-based media brokerage operation is going from strength to strength, having doubled target turnover aspirations in its first year of trading since the company was launched by MD Matt Jones and his partner Sally Richards. The company now buys an average of £50,000 of advertising per week. Matt said, “The team at Rubix have worked really hard over the last year to build an impressive portfolio of prestige clients, including the Millennium Stadium, Maskreys, Cardiff International Pool, Bravissimo, National Museum of Wales, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and South Wales Police to name a few. Our enthusiasm and commitment has resulted in us exceeding expectations in our first year of business, and this growth has created job opportunities.
We began as a two-person operation, and now 12 months later we employ an in-house team of six, as well as providing project-based employment for external promotion staff throughout south Wales.”
Enjoying the fruits of success. L to R. Account Manager, Miriam Aragon, MD, Matt Jones, Marketing Manager, Sally Richards, and Advertising Co-ordinator, Katie Lucas celebrate Rubix Advertising’s first anniversary at Cadwaladers.
Rubix is now well on the way to its goal of opening a Bristol office by the end of the year. Matt and his business partner Sally have, collectively, over twenty years of experience in media sales and site this depth of experience as a massive advantage when managing the challenge in a sector where competition is particularly strong. Sally said, “We never underestimate our competitor’s strengths and weaknesses, and in a business like ours you can never, ever allow the autopilot to switch on. ❧ 36 ❧
We attach as much importance to the way we plan our clients’ advertising strategies and budget spend as we would our own, and the Rubix promise is to always go the extra mile to make every penny count. This approach is paying off for Rubix and our clients.” Rubix Advertising Ltd Regus House, Falcon Drive, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 4RU 029 2050 4098 sales@rubixadvertising.co.uk www.rubixadvertising.co.uk
CARDIFF
Positive psychology of re-branding Sometimes, one of the best things you can do to get more business is to change your image. It has a great psychological effect on... A) Your customers They look at your transformation positively. Even if they don’t like the new look, they will nearly always perceive it as a move forward. It also gives you a reason to revisit old business relationships that, perhaps, have lapsed. B) Your suppliers If you're taking the trouble to rebrand you can’t be struggling financially (or at least that’s the perception). Suppliers will see this as bold and, inevitably, they will talk positively about your business on their travels. Which leads us neatly to... C) Your competitors Rebranding says to your competitors, “We’re expanding. We’re changing. We’re evolving, We’re going places.” And that’s unnerving to a competitor.
T H E VA L L E Y S
Into the Valleys A summer launch It’s official. Good Life Publishing’s third magazine title, Valleys Life, will be launched this summer. It’s been a long-held dream of the company to publish the title. Readers of Valleys Life can expect the same quality of writing and design that readers of City Life and Vale Life have come to know and love, but with its own character to reflect the charm and spirit of the south Wales valleys. The first magazine is scheduled for publication in June. Jennifer HobbsRoberts, Managing Editor said, “We came very close to launching last year but the recession and credit crunch meant that we had to hold fire now it's full steam ahead at last. We’re delighted to be publishing in the Valleys. Strategically, this is an important development for our business. In audience and readership terms it joins up the dots for us in South Wales.”
“We’re going to show the very best south Wales has to offer.”
www.gaucicandles.com
D) You You’ll feel like you’re doing something positive. It’ll make you think about your business - how it’s perceived and how you want it to be perceived. It will make you re-evaluate - in a good way. Basically, rebranding is win, win all the way - if it’s done properly. There are lots of good design companies out there all looking for work. Don’t ask them to do free work, it’s unethical. It doesn’t need to cost the earth, so what are you waiting for?
Mark Roberts, Good Life Publishing’s Creative Director said, “I grew up in the south Wales valleys so this is really exciting for me personally. The valleys is a special place and I think you only really get that if you’ve grown up there. There will be a lot of pleasant surprises for readers. We’re going to show them the very best south Wales has to offer.” Green like the Valleys Good Life Publishing has also ensured that the magazine’s carbon footprint is kept to an absolute minimum. Like City Life and Vale Life, Valleys Life will be printed on paper from sustainable sources and with no eco-unfriendly gloss lamination. The magazine will be printed by Pensord Press in Blackwood. Mark Roberts added, “We believe in supporting our local economy but that’s not the only reason we have partnered with Pensord. Their quality of delivery and customer service is superb. I genuinly like this company. I like their values and I like the people. We’re so proud to have our magazines printed by Pensord here in south Wales. Every penny we earn is invested back in our local economy. That’s of paramount importance to us.” For more information, please visit www.valleyslife.co.uk
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“Rebranding says... ‘We’re expanding. We’re changing. We’re evolving, We’re going places.’” Get your branding in shape today. Call Mark Roberts on 0845 130 6452. Over thirty years of branding experience is just a phone call away.
COVERING THE RHYMNEY, RHONDDA , CYNON & GWENT VALLEYS
SUMMER ISSUE 2010
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“Here at Good Life Publishing we have also ensured that the magazine’s carbon footprint is kept to an absolute minimum. Like it’s sister publications, City Life and Vale Life, Valleys Life will be printed on paper from sustainable sources.”
As Britain takes its faltering steps out of recession, most companies are being cautious when it comes to capital investment. Not so for serviced office facility, The Business Centre in Barry as it’s just invested in its new Coffee Zone to service its growing list of tenants and ever increasing number of casual visitors. How’s business? Actually it’s very encouraging at the moment. We’re enjoying a very high occupancy rate. Any new tenants? Yes, we have attracted some national companies such as Bam Nuttal, the Arthritis Research Campaign organisation and UK Car Group that operate one of their very successful branches of ‘We Buy Any Car’ from The Business Centre. Dawn (right) and daughter Paige are managing The Coffee Zone
What do you think is bringing them to The Business Centre? Clients tell us that serviced offices are ideal for this volatile economic climate as it means they can downsize or increase their office space in an instant depending on how their company is doing.
What do you think such a significant capital investment will bring to The Business Centre? We made this new investment to provide an additional much needed service for not only our clients at The Business Centre but also for their clients who visit them regularly.
They also save on staff costs as the receptionists at The Business Centre answer their phones for them saving them National Insurance contributions. Additionally, clients don’t have the extra worry of cover for sickness or holidays.
So you don’t have to be a tenant to use The Coffee Zone? No, not at all, everyone is welcome. The café is already drawing in members of the public and other businesses from the Ty Verlon Estate who are delighted to have somewhere providing good food and hot drinks in the locality.
Any exciting new developments? The Business Centre is constantly looking for ways to improve support and services to our clients and with this in mind we are delighted to announce the opening of our in-house café, The Coffee Zone.
Who manages The Coffee Zone? The Coffee Zone is being run by Dawn Lee and her daughter Paige. Dawn has had over twenty years’ experience in the catering trade and is very excited to be involved in this exciting new service at The Business Centre. What is on offer? Excellent Segafredo coffee, beautiful freshly made baguettes, paninis and cakes, as well as popular fresh specials such as our now famous chicken curry, pizza, spaghetti bolognaise, hearty soups and stews. What are the opening times? Coffee Zone is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday at The Business Centre. ❧ 38 ❧
NEW
DIMENSION
The Business Centre Cardiff House Cardiff Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW 0800 6349920 enquiries@thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk www.thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk
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Welcome to City Life magazine’s Social Life section, a veritable who’s who in and around Cardiff.
CITY
CARDIFF
Arcades shopping evening Shoppers flocked to Cardiff’s Royal and Morgan Arcades for an evening of celebrations. Plenty of prizes were won during the evening and visitors enjoyed nibbles and wine whilst browsing the many independent shops who went all out with activities and entertainment. It was all in aid of a good cause with funds raised going to the Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales. Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales 19 Park Road, Whitchurch Cardiff CF14 7BP 029 2052 2600 www.bobathwales.org
CARDIFF
Spacefittingfurniture advert screening Scrumptious canapes and drinks were abundant at the screening of the new S4C advert for Spacefittingfurniture at their showroom in Colchester Avenue. Guests enjoyed food tastings by Miele Representatives using the contemporary kitchen equipment Spacefittingfurniture are known for.
Julie Chavasse, Home Economist for Miele
David Gerson, Lisa Gerson, Mike and Susie Shipman
Mildred Jacobsen and Doreen Bloom
Alison Debono (Media Angel) with partner Adrian
Spacefittingfurniture The Design Quarter, 145 Colchester Ave Penylan, Cardiff CF23 9AN 02920 455778 info@spacefittingfurniture.co.uk www.spacefittingfurniture.co.uk
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SOCIAL LIFE COWBRIDGE
River View Guests enjoyed an evening of delicious food and colourful entertainment at the River View Restaurant in Cowbridge as the restaurant celebrated Chinese New Year. Lan, Wing Chan, Neng Chan, Emma Hopkin
Paul Lawrence, Bryan Jones, Elaine Lawrence, Gaynor Jones
Hannah Lewis, Greg ‘Reg’ Allen, Geraint Baty, Lucy Howarth, Alun John, Glyn Thomas, Jacquie Jenkins, Michelle John
Helen Baker, Jill Arnold, Liz Jenkins, Anthony Baker
Tania Housley, Roslyn Thomas, Wayne Thomas, Andrew Housley
Ron and Valerie Skuse
Entertainment Laugar Kung Fu Group
Jennifer and Ian Thomas
Stuart Garmstom, Miele Cookery Experience
The food was plentiful and the Laugar Kung Fu group put on a dramatic display with their elaborate and energetic lion!
Carly, Olivia, Jacob, Clare and Steve Bloom
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Pembrokeshire boasts its fair share of awardwinning beaches, unspoilt landscape and clean air But where do you stay if you want to do it in style?
HOME FROM
HOME I’ve been going to west Wales ever since I was a child. Pembrokeshire and Cardigan were familiar destinations right through my teenage years (at thirteen, I spent two memorable weeks in Newquay, Cardigan during the sweltering summer of 1976). Since then I’ve revisited many times staying in the obligatory B&B or self catering cottage and, while I’ve enjoyed this gorgeous part of Wales, the accommodation has often been somewhat hit and miss.
Not so on my recent venture out west. When I mentioned to a friend that I fancied a trip to west Wales, I said that I thought the gang (my wife, our eleven year old son and myself) needed a little weekend R’n’R. He asked where I was going to stay and enthusiastically suggested East Jordeston Cottages, (I wondered if he was on commission for a moment as his eagerness to endorse caught me a little off guard). I reassured him that I would have a look online and give his suggestion serious consideration.
If I’m honest, in my head I’m saying, “Not another B&B on a farm, near a farm, owned by a farmer that’s been tastefully designed/converted/renovated etc etc,” when the truth is it’s in the middle of nowhere and is full of cheapest of cheap pine furniture. Having stayed at quite a few west Wales cottages over the years, I can only conclude that most of them have a trade account at the same fake tan inspired honey pine warehouse. It’s a great shame really as many of the properties are fabulous but are simply ruined by poor interior design and budget furnishings that let them down. I dutifully looked online and was pleasantly surprised - certainly enough to pick up the phone and make some enquiries. A cottage was available (they have ten ranging from ‘sleeps four’ to ‘sleeps eight’). The price was pretty reasonable too so, with my friend’s glowing recommendation ringing in my ears, and after a very pleasant conversation with the owner, I booked a cottage called Beili. We arrived at East Jordeston quite late in the evening after a pretty busy week but it was worth the drive. The owner, Sandra, showed us to our cottage and, I have to say, I was completely floored by how beautifully designed it was. Tastefully decorated with lovely muted Farrow & Ball style colours, Beili is a delightfully romantic cottage.
The airy master bedroom is an absolute vision and incorporates a modern freestanding bath that just whispers ‘bathtime’ the minute you set eyes on it.
“Everything screams quality; from the door furniture to the soft, white bed linen - you can tell that it has been designed with love...” ❧ 42 ❧
From its cedar cloaked kitchen with a passionate splash of deep red to the Finnish sauna, this cottage radiates chic, contemporary Scandinavian style and is furnished and finished to an exceptional standard. It’s the attention to detail, sympathetic design and the appreciation of symmetry and line that sets this accommodation apart. From the door furniture to the soft, white bed linen - you can tell that it has been designed with love and not to a budget (Sandra’s husband Phil was the architect). Yes, I can honestly say that we were impressed. After an excellent night’s sleep in the sumptuous bed and a superb wake up in the walk-in shower, we headed to the local beach at Manorbier for a stroll along the seashore.
“The airy master bedroom is an absolute vision and incorporates a modern freestanding bath that just whispers ‘bathtime’.”
A short drive away through the lanes, it’s very beautiful and, besides a lovely sandy beach, it also has lots of rock pools for the explorers among you. Our eleven year old loved it there. Later, we drove along the coast just to explore and came across huge fields of daffodils waiting to be harvested - a stunning sight. We visited Narberth in the afternoon - it’s a lot like Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan. Great art gallery, a beautiful deli called Ultracomida, a chocolatier and a good range of boutiques and gift shops.
have a wealth of local knowledge which is extremely useful when you’re new to the area.
In the evening we drove into Tenby (a mere ten minutes away) for a bite to eat. Tenby has a good selection of restaurants to suit all tastes so you should find something you like. Sandra had plenty of suggestions and seems to
I can honestly say that our weekend in Pembrokeshire has reminded me that there is a stunning county at the western tip of Wales and East Jordeston Cottages has assured me there’s a stunning place to stay!
The cottages really are in a truly beautiful location and perfectly situated for exploring the county (much-loved family attractions like Heatherton, Oakwood and Folly Farm are but a short drive away). Pembrokeshire is perfect - whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a family with children to entertain, this part of Wales has much to offer.
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East Jordeston Cottages St. Florence, Tenby Pembrokeshire SA70 8NT Bookings 01834 871 627 sandra@ejcottages.com www.ejcottages.com
Cardiff artist, Nanor Tashdjian has a passion for life that is only matched by her love of colour. A painter for many years, Nanor has recently been working with fused and flamed glasswork. City Life spent an afternoon discussing the...
ART OF GLASS What’s your backround? I am an Armenian-Cypriot artist who lives in Cardiff and I have been living in the UK for the past ten years. I studied for an MA in Fine Art in 2001 and graduated from University of Wales, Cardiff. Since then been living here with my husband.
Please describe your work My work is mostly inspired by my Mediterranean backround which I express in my artwork. Dreamy, deep strong colours, the sea, the sun, and the memories of my time spent there greatly influences my work. My main passion is painting, where I express my deepest emotions, love, pain, happiness, and the experiences that I have gone through over the years. I like to live and dream in a mystery where my thoughts are brought to life in my artwork. Why did you start working in glass? When I started working with glass, I realised a dream to ‘paint’ in the third dimension and that my work as a painting in a glass would bring life, light and shape with dramatic reflections. Fused glass has helped me to realise that dream, but I am now also working on ‘flamework’ which is much more complicated, and that is why I like to ‘express’ into the glass a 3D shape, similar to my paintings. I like to create something without planning, born in the moment - the colour, the shape and the artwork where I am immersed in the process of creation without thinking about it too much. That is why I do not like to create work that are too similar and I do not work to order, so each piece I make is unique and from my heart. For example, one of my glass pendants that I have kept for myself, is called ‘Friday’ as it was created on a sunny winter’s Friday afternoon, where the sky was cold but pure and blue.
Is a sense of place important to you? To me, the beauty of the earth is so important, and this is the main reason I love living in Wales, because the green parks inspire my passion, where I walk and dream and collect the most beautiful red and orange leaves and then I go back to my workshop to create a piece of work out of the passionate moments I experience. What are the price ranges? For my glass art jewellery, the prices are quite reasonable with prices starting from £20. Sometimes, when a person buys a number of my works, there’s a little surprise gift in the box. As for my paintings, the prices are higher. If you were interested it would be better to contact me in person so we can discuss the individual requirements.
Where can we see your work? You can view my work at my website www.nanorart.com. I update it regularly so please feel free to visit from time to time. Also, I have a gallery with my family in Nicosia, Cyprus called Vartan Gallery where most of my work is displayed, glass art jewellery and paintings. My father, who is also an artist and who has had many exhibitions around the world, also exhibits here. I have regular customers there who are very passionate about my work and in Cyprus people love to buy little gifts for each other on name days, birthdays, and holidays.
Nanor Tashdjian can be contacted through her website. For more information visit www.nanorart.com
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“My work is mostly inspired by my Mediterranean backround which I express in my artwork. Dreamy, deep strong colours, the sea, the sun, and the memories of my time spent there greatly influences my work.�
Don’t rush into sowing seeds outdoors or splurging on summer bedding plants just yet until you’ve seen what’s available at Pugh’s Garden Centre in Radyr. Known for their quality and variety of plants, gifts and horticultural sundries, together with a team of knowledgeable staff, Pugh’s is...
BLOOMING LOVELY! City Life talks to Graham Pugh about what makes Pugh’s Garden Centre such a popular choice for gardeners of all abilities. How long has Pugh’s Garden Centre been established? The company goes back as far as the 1930’s when Sidney Pugh established Wenallt Nurseries in Rhiwbina. This was very much along the lines of a conventional market garden and smallholding producing bedding plants, fruit and vegetables. It even boasted a small dairy. The business then expanded to include fruit and vegetable shops. With Cardiff expanding, Morganstown and Radyr was considered as an area of great potential for a horticultural business, especially with the development of the Castle View housing estate. With the site secured, ‘Ty Nant Nurseries’ was opened opposite the Ty Nant Inn and the nursery soon built up a thriving trade as interest in gardening developed, especially as the trend became to sell plants in containers rather than ‘bare root’.
Why Radyr? Radyr was the perfect choice for us. We’re accessible from Junction 32 of the M4 and the A470 Cardiff to valleys road and all the suburbs in North Cardiff which makes us ideally located to serve Cardiff and surrounding areas. What makes Pugh’s Garden Centre different? The business has grown with the introduction of stand-alone concessions which has created the Garden Village concept, providing a network of local and national businesses all relating to home, garden and outdoor living. We believe that we have a unique concept with ‘Pugh’s Garden Village’. Customers can enjoy a relaxed and individual experience in the knowledge that most of what they will need, they can find here in one place, rather than having to shop around at several stores in different locations.
“We pride ourselves on offering a good range of fresh produce.”
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What other businesses are on site? We have Maidenhead Aquatics, PamPurredPets, The Bay Tree Coffee Shop, Quality Building Ltd, Carol’s Crafts, Cotton Traders, Bridges Veterinary Surgery, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Delta Garden and Conservatory Furniture. Recently, Heatforce, a well established company with 30 years’ experience supplying Environmental Energy Solutions for homes has joined us. They’ve opened a new retail showroom with fires and surrounds featuring all that is new in sustainable, renewable energy solutions for the home. These include solar panels, air to air and air to water heating systems. We’re delighted to have them on board. The farm shop has been open a year now, has this been successful? Yes, the success of the Ty Nant Farm Shop has proved better than we could have dreamed of. We pride ourselves on offering a good range of Welsh produce; fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses and meats, much of which is organic. We thought it would be popular locally but I’m surprised by the distances people will travel to shop here. We offer an excellent range of freshly frozen produce as well such as berries and vegetables. These are popular because customers can buy them by the scoop to the weight they require. We also have a good range of preserves and freshly baked bread. One of our most popular offerings is local beers and ales. I can’t imagine why!
What’s new for 2010? We’re very excited to be launching our new online club. Customers can register online with us at pughsgv.qvonline.co.uk and receive exclusive money saving vouchers for plants and sundries. They will also receive details and prior notice of special events, useful seasonal gardening tips, plant of the month details and special offers. We’re expecting a great deal of interest in this as it will help us connect with customers and find out exactly what they want from us and, in turn, we will be able to reward customers for shopping in Pugh’s Garden Village. Pugh’s Garden Village Main Road, Morganstown Cardiff CF15 8LJ 029 2084 2017 www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk Pugh’s also at Style Gardens, Port Road, Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan
“We’re very excited to be launching our new online club. Go to pughsgv.qvonline.co.uk to register.” ❧ 47 ❧
Spring/Summer Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm
BELLI
SSIMA
“Room for Living now offer beautiful Italian designed bedroom and living furniture for your home.�
“Striking contemporary design and functionality - the materials that are used and the level of technological functions mean that not only does it look beautiful, but it’s built to last.”
“It is important that a room must combine functionality with beauty and with today’s technology and with this furniture, this is easily achieved.”
“We’re here to help customers create the rooms of their dreams. We have a great team here who can design and fit the furniture.”
Room for Living have a reputation for providing high quality kitchens, but with their new range of Italian lifestyle furniture, their offering is complete.
BELLISSIMA According to statistics, sleeping comprises about one third of the average persons life and, considering everything else that’s done in the bedroom, that’s a lot of time. Shouldn’t it then be a stylish and comfortable place to be? Comfort and style should also come into play when furnishing your living areas. Luckily Room for Living now offer beautiful Italian designed bedroom and living furniture for your home. We spoke to owner Mike McNabb on why RFL are now offering bedroom and living furniture. Tell us more about this new offering Mike? Well, when our designer Jo Buckerfield came to work with us, her previous background was working with a family run business who designed and manufactured bespoke furniture and, as although our business name is Room For Living Kitchens and Interiors, we’d never really found the right products that we felt we could sell with any integrity. However, this new range meets our high standards perfectly.
What has impressed you about the furniture RFL are offering? We all know that the Italians have a real flair for design and when we came across this brand, we knew there would be a big demand for it because striking contemporary design and because of its functionality. The materials that are used and the level of technological functions mean that not only does it look beautiful, but it’s built to last.
To whom will this furniture appeal? We can supply different styles and finishes to suit individual tastes and I can see it appealing to the same type of customers who buy our kitchens. For example, young professionals, mature couples, families and the single person with a sense of style.
So, you have furniture that can be used for bedrooms and living spaces then? Yes, from wood, leather and fabric finishes, we can offer furniture for both living spaces. As with kitchens, it is important that a room must combine functionality with beauty and with today’s technology and with this furniture, this is easily achieved. There’s no point loading televisions and clothing into furniture whose cabinet hinges crumble after just twelve months, so this furniture ticks all of the boxes.
“Room For Living can supply different styles and finishes to suit individual tastes.” And you offer the same design and fitting service as with kitchens? Absolutely, we’re here to help customers create the rooms of their dreams. All of our designs are unique and created for the customer. We have a great team here who can design and fit the furniture. Our designers pride themselves on making a real difference to the overall look and feel of the room and how it’s used. However long you and your family spend in each room, they can all look stunning and contemporary. Room For Living Willow Walk Cowbridge CF71 7EE 01446 771234 info@rflkitchens.com www.roomforlivingcowbridge.com
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CITY GARDENS
Clive Sullivan shares his horticultural tips for the coming season CIT YWIDE
Springing out of recession From frost to grey now green, poverty has no touch on what is seen. From daffodils to fragrant flowers, nature now redeems the widow’s dower.
There is nothing like a Magnolia tree to grace the garden in April and May. These are quite easy plants to grow, available in a range of sizes. They prefer humus rich soil (which tends to be acid, but some types will tolerate more alkaline soil). The mature specimen pictured to the right is Magnolia campbellii. What a beauty! Another tree, this one better for small gardens is Crataegus ‘Paul’s Scarlet’. You can see this with red/pink flowers about this time of year, very hardy, very tough, being derived from the resilient native Hawthorn family. You’ll see many Laburnum trees (pictured left) in Cardiff gardens at this time of year, with their pendulous yellow flowers. Now, these are worthy of consideration for a smaller garden, although be careful – all parts are toxic if ingested. That said, the flowers will light up the late spring / early summer small garden, and it’s a tough tree, this one.
There is a season for all things under the sun, but surely this time, this season, the sun starts to shine and beauty radiates, no, it shouts from the flowertops. It cannot fail to inspire the most jaded, and melt the sternest heart. So, to action in our renewed gardens! A word of wisdom. Imagine you are an eagle, soaring high above your garden, looking down on the structure of your garden. What would you change? What would you consider from your eyrie? People invariably do the bulk of their soft landscaping (i.e. plants, trees, and turf) in the spring. While technically this is not the best time of year to plant, since most of you will be doing it anyway, here’s some advice. Plants always look best clustered in odd numbers like threes or fives. Think of such concepts as unity, themes and colour contrasts. You could underplant Photinia ‘Red Robin’ with the contrasting Spirea ‘Golden Princess’. Similarly Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ contrasts well with Euphorbia ‘Fens Ruby’.
Wild garlic (pictured below) grows so abundantly at this time of year in woodlands, just before ‘bud break’. While the trees are getting ready to explode into glorious green foliage, the woodland floor is throwing up what it can to take advantage of the spring light. I’ll be honest – for many years I wasn’t certain as to the edibility of wild garlic. Recently I have discovered that we can not only eat it, but it’s packed with iron and vitamins. Go for a stroll in the woods and harvest it! Before you use it in cooking, wash it three or four times, and blanch it by immersion in boiling water for about twenty seconds then plunge it into ice cold water. Then it’s ready to use. The flowers can be used as a garnish on salads. Very tasty, but remember to brush your teeth afterwards!
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Essential gardening this season includes: ■ Water well all newly planted trees
and shrubs. Keep a circle of clear earth around new trees ■ Fertilise Roses with Fish, blood and bone or a proprietary Rose food. Mix into the earth well ■ Keep an eye on the pond for algae growth & scoop it out when you see it ■ Plant out late summer flowers; Dahlias, Gladioli, and Begonias once danger of frost has passed ■ Frosts can continue until May so don’t be caught out…listen to the weatherman’s shout ■ Keep control of the weeds… before they control you. Remember ‘Day of the Triffids!’ ■ Cut the grass, gradually lowering the height on your mower blade. This will keep some weeds in check too. ■ Feed the grass with a spring feed to keep it looking good. ■ If you are thinking of converting a lawn to a wildflower meadow, now is the time to do it. Don’t feed the lawn, don’t cut it. Easy! ■ Prepare your summer containers and hanging baskets. Change the compost in tubs and put long lasting feed in. You need it so feed it, don’t deceive it!
THE LAST WORD City Life talks to Gareth Noble, owner of Noble Training, on what his company can offer businesses with advice and training in health and safety. Tell us about your business I set my business up in June 2008 and recently left full time employment in November 2009 as a health and safety officer to pursue my chosen path. What type of clients do you have? My clients have included: ■ Priory Private Hospitals ■ Harley Medical Group ■ Cardiff Legal Services Commission ■ Cardiff Council Housing Association ■ Companies House ■ Intellectual Property Office (Patent Office) ■ Corpus Christi High School ■ Ysgol Plasmawr High School ■ Lisvane Primary School ■ Cwmfelin Primary School Anyone we’d know? Your readers would probably be aware of the Harley Medical Group. I started running courses for them in First Aid, Fire Awareness, Anaphylactic Shock and Manual Handling, in August 2009 and have been covering courses around the country for them ever since. Why would these companies need your services? With a change in First Aid Legislation that came into effect October 1st 2009, many businesses are unwittingly leaving themselves wide open for prosecution. As an HSE accredited First Aid at Work provider and assessor through the Association of First Aiders, we at Noble Training are able to offer up-to-date and current training along with advice and help to many businesses that require our services. Who would you like to work for? I would like to work for anyone and everyone, but my specialist skills and experience leans towards the health and care sector, but do have experience in heavy industry, logistics, transport, gases industries. What would you like to change? I sometimes get frustrated at the world’s problems and wish I had all the answers. Unfortunately I don’t and need to constantly tell myself that I don’t and try to relax a little.
Sum yourself up in three words? You’d have to ask my family, they probably know me better than I do. In a nutshell, my philosophy is... I’d like to move forward in my life and chosen career path, enabling myself to give a full and honest approach to any task I undertake.
“Noble Training’s work raises people’s self esteem, ensuring personal safety through the many courses.”
You may not know this but... ■ I received a bravery award in 1991
for helping a woman who was being beaten and attacked with a knife. I sustained serious knife wounds myself but, thankfully, the woman in question was safe. ■ At the age of 18, I cycled around
Wales with a friend in aid of Tenovus cancer research. The ride took us ten days and we raised approx £1500. ■ I helped a gentleman in Newport
who had decided to end his life by jumping from a bridge into a swollen river, I was able to talk to him reassure him, get him to come back over the barrier and stayed with him until the emergency services arrived. ■ I hold regular workshops in public
safety and personal awareness, have given talks and demos to Cardiff round table, Cardiff Womens' Guild, Mums Matters Community Group, amongst others.
What customers say... “Noble Training’s work raises people’s self esteem, ensuring personal safety through the many courses from Health and Safety, First Aid at Work and Positive Behaviour Management, amongst others. During our Personal and Social Education day recently, Gareth gave our sixth formers food for thought regarding body language and how to avoid being a victim of crime.” Siriol Burford Senior Assistant Headteacher Ysgol Plasmawr
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■ I am an HSE accredited First Aid at
Work provider and assessor. ■ I have worked in partnership
and run courses for Career Change Wales. For more information please visit www.careerchangewales.co.uk ■ Once I had joined the training
team of the prison I set about making plans for a future in training others. We are partners with the Home Office, Know before You Go Campaign, which helps travellers. ■ I have set up and run my own
successful martial arts school. ■ I write a monthly article for a local
newspaper on personal safety and awareness. ■ I spent five years in the British
Army, with an active role in anti terrorist conflict, covert activities and intelligence gathering.
Noble Training Freephone 08081 081683 Mobile 07929 139055 noble.training@ntlworld.com www.nobletrainingsolutions.com
If you’d like to be featured or would like to promote your business in Last Word, please call Jennifer on 0845 130 6452 or email jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk
R M Williams, Sand, Camel Active, Roy Robson, Eton Shirts, Gibson, Van Kollem Remus, Jeffery West, Bernhardt, Without Prejudice, Grenson, Milena
HAWKES
essentials 37-39 Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF Telephone 029 2037 3780 www.hawkesessentials.com